American shipbuilder Vigor Industrial held a christening ceremony on Saturday, October 25th for its new drydock, the Vigorous.
According to Vigor, the 960-foot vessel is the largest floating drydock in North America and opens Portland to new markets such as cruise ships and post-Panamax vessels.
Two MARAD cargo ships will be the first vessels in the dock, creating 130 jobs for Vigor workers. The company, which invested more than USD 50 million to build and deliver the Vigorous, also has a cruise ship booked for repairs in March 2015.
“This is a momentous day for us,” said Dave Whitcomb, Vigor chief operating officer, during his speech at the christening. “ Vigorous is here to support family-wage jobs for the men and women of Vigor as well as the marine community here in Portland.”
CEO Frank Foti told those gathered at the christening that the choice to sell the original dry dock in 2001 was a difficult decision which took courage. Now, 13 years later ,the Vigorous joins 11 other drydocks at locations across the Pacific Northwest from Portland to Ketchikan.
Press Release